Radio Iowa: Panel probes 2006 immigration raids at Swift plants

A national commission investigating immigration raids at Swift meatpacking plants held a hearing in Des Moines Tuesday. Former Governor Tom Vilsack questioned plant workers and their families along with immigrant advocates. Hundreds of workers were detained at Swift plants in Marshalltown, Iowa and elsewhere in December of 2006 following an investigation into the use of stolen identities by illegal immigrants.

Vilsack, who is on the commission, claims the raids violated constitutional protections against search and seizure. Vilsack said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents, who were heavily armed, entered the Swift Plant and demanded all employees be placed in a holding area.”*

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